FOMC day is here and while the rate decision is essentially a non event (100% price hold at 3.5-3.75%), the volatility around the press conference is very real

⏰ Key Times (Eastern Time)

• 2:00 PM — FOMC Statement Released

• 2:30 PM — Powell Press Conference Begin s

Expect the biggest moves between 2:00–3:30 PM ET

Hawkish signals (could strengthen USD):

• Strong** **language on inflation being persistent

• Pushing rate cut expectations further out

• Acknowledging energy driven inflation as a long tern concern

Dovish signals (could weaken USD)

• Any softening on "higher for longer" language

• Downgrading growth outlook due to geopolitical uncertainty

• Powell signaling he expects cuts to resume before year end

Pairs I’m personally keeping an eye on

• EURUSD - Sitting at a key level, FOMC could decide next directional move

• XAUUSD (Gold) - Already in a descending channel, a dovish surprise could rip it towards $4700

• USDJPY - Sensitive to yield differentials, watch the 2Y Treasury…